John O'Loughlin, a school-bus driver, yesterday said the main suspect in the case "is still out there".

"It is only a matter of time before he is found by gardai. I am confident of that because the gardai I have been speaking to are confident," said Mr O'Loughlin who, with his son Raymond, looked on at Ennistymon cemetery as gardai exhumed the remains to allow further tests now made possible by scientific advances.

Her family from Ennistymon remain convinced her suspected killer remains at large .

The local gardai headed by Supt Sean Healy of Gort station are now being assisted by Supt Christy Mangan and his colleagues from the Dublin-based Serious Crime Review Team, which re-examines 'cold cases'.

Mr O'Loughlin said: "The exhumation took place to provide gardai with more evidence as to how Emer died and if she died before the fire."

He admitted that being present for the exhumation at the cemetery yesterday was difficult "but you have to hold on to your composure".

He said the procedure to carry out the exhumation started last year.

"Gardai have a lot of evidence in the case with evidence they can't disclose to anyone in case it harms the case," he said.

Mr O'Loughlin added that the past five years since Emer's death "have been tough, especially when you don't get closure". He said: "We miss Emer. She was the youngest daughter and was always happy and joyful. Always smiling."

Gardai believe there are "people who may have information which could assist the investigators in establishing the cause of Emer's death".

Anyone with information can contact Gort Garda Station on 091 636 400 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.